British teenager Marcus Fakana jailed in Dubai over holiday romance with girl
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A British teenager has been sentenced to prison in Dubai for engaging in sexual activities with a 17-year-old girl during their vacation.
Eighteen-year-old Marcus Fakana, hailing from Tottenham in north London, was vacationing with his parents when he began a romantic relationship with a girl who was also staying at their hotel.
After discovering the relationship, the mother of the unidentified girl informed the Dubai police about Mr. Fakana, leading to his arrest.
On Wednesday, he received a one-year prison sentence in Dubai, which his attorneys argue is well-known for its violations of human rights and instances of torture.
His family has made a heartfelt appeal to Dubai's ruler, Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum, asking him to avoid sentencing Mr. Fakana to prison for the sexual encounter, which would be permissible in the UK.
Radha Stirling, a spokesperson for Detained in Dubai, described the verdict as a "complete disgrace" and announced that Mr. Fakana plans to appeal the decision.
In her statement, she expressed that he was eagerly wishing to return home this week, but the way the prosecutors handled the early part of the case resulted in it not being treated as a minor offense when it should have been.
Encouraging a boycott of the country, she said, “I ask young individuals and their parents to think twice about vacationing in Dubai, a place where many face the threat of unjust and prolonged imprisonment in facilities known for their human rights violations and torture."
Travelers should consider making reservations at other places until Marcus is available again. Many people are rallying behind Marcus, eager to see him back home. The fact that he’s facing a year in prison is not just unfair, but also completely shameful.
Ms. Stirling, an experienced expert witness in extradition matters related to the United Arab Emirates, expressed her belief that the British government has neglected the teenager. She specifically pointed out Sir Keir Starmer, who had been in the Gulf state over the weekend.
She expressed, “The UK has put trade agreements ahead of the well-being of its citizens. This is completely unacceptable. David Lammy and Keir Starmer have let Marcus down.”
"This is a shameful situation for Britain. The Labour government ought to feel embarrassed for failing to ensure the safety of a young tourist. This should have been an easy task."
Mr. Fakana asserts that he didn't realize the girl, who is from London and has now reached the age of 18, was several months younger than him when they initially met.
According to UAE law, the girl is considered a minor, and since her mother is her legal guardian, she was the one who lodged the complaint.
A representative from the Emirati government stated, "The legal system in Dubai is dedicated to safeguarding everyone’s rights and guaranteeing fair judicial processes."
Dubai has only recently permitted tourists to engage in sexual relations outside of marriage, yet the nation still operates under a strict Islamic legal framework. In the United Kingdom, however, such a relationship would be completely legal.
Mr. Fakana, who reportedly felt “overwhelmed” by his supporters in the UK, shared with Detained in Dubai: “We had an amazing time together and genuinely liked each other, but she had to keep things from her family because they were quite strict. My parents were aware of our relationship, but she couldn't inform hers. She had to see me without revealing that it was to meet a boy."
As soon as she walked out, I was eager to reunite with her once I returned home. But out of nowhere, the police came knocking at our hotel door. They informed me that they were going to take me in for questioning, but wouldn’t disclose the reason. I couldn't fathom what it could be about. I was scared, and my parents were in a state of panic.
His family has created a GoFundMe campaign to help cover Mr. Fakana's legal expenses, stating that they traveled to the UAE to celebrate his father's birthday.
Mr. Fakana and his family have called on the foreign secretary, David Lammy, who represents them in Tottenham, to get involved in their situation.
A representative from the Foreign Office stated, "We are assisting a British citizen in the UAE and are in communication with his family."
